Be Sparing and calm
When I had my first, I remember having a stash of like 12 binkies. Every time my daughter dropped one, I would put it aside for sanitizing and give her a new one. I also had glass milk bottles and a manual breast pump. Each night, I would sterilise the glass, bottle, as well as wet mop with an organic cellulose sponge all the dust throughout the apartment.
These had fallen on our own floor, by the way, the one I cleaned daily, myself. But I digress… 12 binkies are too many, 25 blankets *are* too many, 150 burp clothes might be enough, but my advice is to buy the big size laundry detergent because you’ll be washing clothes and burp cloths for the rest of your life.
Stick with essentials
Don’t overthink it
Limit your information sources (and overwhelm!)
You don’t need as many items as you might think for a new baby. There may be things you’ll need to go out and buy later, but there’s time for that. Until then, don’t overwhelm yourself with how many of each item you need.
After 2 babies (plus one on the way!), I can tell you, you only really *need* a handful of things. Here is what I think is the most important to have on hand.
The Ultimate Checklist for First Time Moms
The absolute basic essentials, the only 27 things you should absolutely have before baby makes the grand entrance:
Birth Bag and a Hospital Bag
Diapers - dioxin-free at the least
Wipes
Organic Onesies (long sleeve or short, depending on your climate)
Zipper/footie pajamas
Suction bulb or nose Frida
Bottles
Breastpump
Milk storage bags
Baby carrier (wraps/ring sling for at home, HBC for going out)
Reusable breast pads
Nipple cream (Lansinoh lanolin is my fav!)
Pullover sports bra or shelf tank
Burp Cloths (I use cloth diapers because they’re super absorbent)
Binkies (like 5 is good)
Car seat
Stroller
Car seat cover or blanket
Diaper Bag
Very Optional Checklist
With my three children, I did not use these. You may choose to.
Pack n Play (with changing station and napper)
Pack n Play sheets
Baby seat or bouncer
Baby monitor, wired